Palliative and Hospice Care Certificate

Applications for the Aug 2027 intake close on May 1, 2027. Tuition fees are 15,768 USD per year.

The Palliative and Hospice Care Certificate is a non-degree program for individuals interested in palliative and hospice care, offered by Grand Valley State University. This one-year program helps students understand the personal, professional, economic, and legal perspectives of delivering care to patients facing life-limiting disease, terminal illness, and death. The program prioritizes person-centered, family-oriented care.

The curriculum covers various aspects of palliative and hospice care, including the personal, professional, economic, and legal perspectives. Students develop skills in delivering high-quality, affordable care to persons with life-limiting illness. The program also focuses on the importance of better palliative care education, as acknowledged by the 2014 Institute of Medicine report, Dying in America.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Hospice Care Coordinators, Palliative Care Specialists, Healthcare Managers, or Social Workers. They can work in hospitals, hospices, or healthcare organizations, providing care to patients and their families. With this certificate, students can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing life-limiting illnesses.

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Allendale, Michigan, founded in 1960, is a comprehensive public institution serving over 22,000 students. Known for a student-centered culture, GVSU emphasizes a broad liberal education alongside professional preparation across disciplines such as business, health professions, education and the arts. The university’s mission focuses on inclusive learning, community engagement and academic excellence through a combination of classroom study and experiential opportunities.

GVSU’s programs integrate research, internships and community-based learning to help students apply knowledge in practical contexts. Faculty encourage collaboration, critical thinking and leadership through coursework, service projects and co-curricular experiences. Campus life includes a variety of clubs, volunteer initiatives and support services designed to foster belonging and academic success for both domestic and international students.

International students can access advising, orientation, language support and career services that connect classroom achievements to employment outcomes. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning, community partnerships and holistic development prepares graduates for diverse career paths and further study. Prospective students should evaluate program curricula, internship opportunities and student support offerings to find a GVSU pathway that matches their academic interests and professional ambitions.